Throughout all reaches of the cosmos

Weaves the real being of each individual;

In the quintessential human being

The mirror image of the world holds sway.

The ‘I’ unites both

And so realizes

The true meaning of existence.

                                            Rudolf Steiner

 Dear Families,

                        Week four is already upon us and there is a change of season making itself felt. The Balga flowers and the Peppermint blossom indicate the shift and indigenous knowledge tells us of the link between the flowers and the fish, with Tailor and Blue Groper being in the bays.

Bringing our students into a subtle awareness of the chains of connection present throughout nature, the cosmos and ourselves is a launchpad for teaching ideas and curriculum development. Connection to nature and its rhythms brings balance and a certain peace of mind for children, as they find their individual place in the world and move ever so gradually outside of their immediate family.

With beauty being an edict of our primary school classes, to support the development of a healthy feeling life for students, we refer to Rudolf Steiner’s indications and work in a nature-based way.

Utilising natural materials and building understandings of subject matter in a way that radiates out from direct student immersion, we aim to give an experience of connectedness before any abstract conceptualisation is developed.

By working in this way, we hope that when children ask themselves ‘why’ they might be studying a subject such as fractions, grammar or perimeter calculations, they can already know it is because of the inextricable links between themselves and the subject matter.

Wholistic education hopefully then leads to healthy self-conception and interaction with the wider world and others.

As I pop into the classes and meet with teachers, I see studies of the four directions, the local area and its history, the wildflowers currently in bloom, birdsong, shelters built from natural materials and Saint Francis and the animals.

Students are certainly immersed in quality learning and very lucky to be guided by teachers working to respond to the curriculum in ways aligned with the corner of the world that we are all so lucky to live in.

Enjoy the sunshine,

Jacqui